Movies

Family Film Guide

"John Carter" (PG-13) Story: A Civil War veteran struggles with a strange being and awakens on Mars, where he finds himself caught up in tribal warfare . Backstory: Reportedly $250 million 3-D fantasy, starring Taylor Kitsch and based on a story by Edgar Rice Burroughs, is the first live-action film by "WALL-E" director Andrew Stanton. Verdict: Bloodlessly violent action and scantily clad characters, yet simplistic enough for kids. * 1/2

"Dr. Seuss' The Lorax" (PG) Story: To find a rare Truffula Tree, a boy must track down the Lorax, the feisty protector of the environment. Backstory: Produced by most of the team that made "Despicable Me." Verdict: Despite its rating - for brief, mild language- the movie is appropriate for all ages. ***

"Wanderlust" (R) Story: A couple from New York City find themselves living on a commune in rural Georgia. Backstory: From the director of "Role Models." Verdict: Nonstop raw language, substantial drug use and lots of graphic nudity; for ages 17 and older. **1/2

"Act of Valor" (R) Story: Navy SEALs, while on a mission to retrieve a kidnapped CIA agent, discover there's a larger terrorist plot afoot. Backstory: Film, which features actual Navy SEALs, initially was conceived as a training film. Verdict: Graphic violence, torture and battle sequences make this inappropriate for viewers younger than 17. **1/2

"This Means War" (PG-13) Story: Two CIA operatives use their professional skills against each other when they discover they are romancing the same woman. Backstory: The first romantic comedy from the director of "Terminator Salvation" and the "Charlie's Angels" movies. Verdict: Some sexual content including references, some violence and action, and brief strong adult language. * 1/2